Saturday, December 30, 2006

Everyone has requested to see the snow here in Denver. Well, this is the first snow fall. It is much higher now. Here is Savannah & Victoria (my granddaughter) getting out before it hit again. Look how high it is....Savannah is so excited! YIKES!!!! I had to get out of the way....Savannah and Victoria are getting ready for a snow fight! Victoria decided to hide under the snow...rather than on top of it:) hahaha! Be sure and check out the slide show to the left....You will see many more :-) BTW...I am still trying to find the memory card from Christmas :-( Yes...one of the teenagers took it out of the camera to update their myspace!!!! UGH!!! When I went to download the pictures...I found a different memory card and no one wants to take the blame for the old one missing...TEENAGERS!!!!

Friday, December 29, 2006

Well....I don't know where to start. These last two weeks have been very stressful. Please prayer for our family!!!! It has been one crises after another at the Albertsens. I have wanted to blog...But, "If you don't have anything nice to say...Don't say anything at all." kept repeating through my mind. The biggest snow blizzard since 1982 has attacked Denver! We are and have been trapped in this house (on & off) for two weeks now. I haven't been able to get in any overtime (to pay for Christmas presents) and to top it off, some of my kids have been out of control. You would think that with all of this snow my daughters would be forced to stay in the house. But nooooo! One of my daughters has been sneaking out with an older boy...and yes...a child with criminal record! Every mothers nightmare! I just don't know how to deal with this. No matter how cold it is or if she is grounded, she continues to sneak out. When confronted she just has this blank look on her face and then she giggles! There doesn't seem to be any sign of guilt. I feel like putting my hands up and giving up on her. She was adopted at 10 years old and is now 15. She has always been somewhat of an easy child. But, lately she has been out of control! I know she is using drugs and is sexually active. She has had years of therapy and assistance at school. We have attempted to get her involved in Youth Group. I just don't know what else to do but put her in a detention center....or worse....boot camp. Does any one have a better idea? I could sure use some advise???? So I say, "Please! WE ALL need prayer!" My 16 year old is also going to Job Core to get assistance with her behavior. She is constantly out of control with screaming and refusing to participate in any activities!!! The school has recommended Job Core. She was 12 when she became a member of our family. She will be leaving the third week of January and be gone until she is 18. Just when I thought my life couldn't get worse...her brother tried to kill himself by jumping infront of a Fed Ex truck. He now has a broken collar bone. But, no other major injuries. Although, I feel my heart breaking!!! We have almost 4 feet of snow infront of our house. Last week we had 3 feet and now another foot has fallen since last night. My husband just anounced that it should continue throughout the next few days!!!! I have recieved a ton of e-mails regarding my book, "Looking Through The Eyes Of An Unseen Child" www.unseenchild.com. So to you all, the answer to your many questions is, "Yes. It is almost done. But No. I am just toooo discouraged to actually put it out...." I feel like I am not worthy of publishing a book about my work with difficult children, especially when 3 of them are now on a horrible road to distruction. I also want to say, "I'm sorry to all of my friends who have contacted me over the last few months. I am the kind of person that pulls away from everyone when I'm hurting....I want you all to know that not a day goes by, that I don't check my e-mail or blog. I do care about everyone and I ALWAYS check in to make sure everything is going well with my friends and fellow bloggers. Thanks to everyone who has sent me Christmas cards or dropped a comment. I need to remind you about one of the friends who need BIG TIME PRAYER. One of my inspirations is my little friend from Iraq. She took her time to send me a Christmas card. I thought, "She has sooooo much going on in her life and yet she thought of me. Her life is in danger everyday. But, yet her heart is so big! She still takes time to think of others during the holidays." Be sure and check out her blog, http://livesstrong.blogspot.com/. I thank you all for your support and love during this difficult time and I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!! I am just about ready to upload a bunch of our pictures from Christmas day...Get ready :-)

Friday, December 15, 2006

Hi Guys!!!I am sooooo sorry I haven't posted lately. It has been an exhausting two weeks. My body just doesn't bounce back like it used to... The surgery just wiped me out! So, yesterday was my first day back to work.

I thought the day would last forever! The filing would never end..... And traffic was horrible and by the time I finally had a chance to make dinner...Well, this picture tells it all! I stumbled to my room and decided I would pick my cloths out for the next day. Do you think these shoes will match with my jeans? I just wanted to thank you all for all you support :-) I need to get to work....but, expect a post later on this afternoon!!!!!

Monday, December 04, 2006

Diana had surgery on this past Friday and went home the same day. She could use some prayer for a quick recovery. Hopefully she will be feeling well enough in a couple days to catch up with comments/emails.

Monday, November 27, 2006

Well, despite all the fighting...we had a wonderful Thanksgiving :-) hahahaha! We had 30 for the dinner! I wish I could take credit for all the hard work...but Dano did most of the cooking:-p Then Friday we did the usual Christmas shopping. I was surprised to find out that there wasn't much of a crowd. So, I have come to the conclusion that it must be because most families are like us...poor!!! ....and probably need to stick tightly to a budget. I don't know about you, but for all of my friends and family money seems less than usual. I was so shocked to look at my check book and realize that we just don't have the freedom that we did last year. So, this year we are going to make a list before buying. We have high hopes of cutting down on impulsive shopping. I would give you Santa's list...but, I know some of my teens are going to take a peak at the blog...(atleast until Christmas). Hahahaha! I need to prepare you for the next post. Grandma took a ton of pictures :-) We put up the Christmas tree on Saturday & the decorations on Sunday. The men went to the movies while Dano and I struggled to get the children under control. The excitement was just too much for them! Dano attempted to sit them all down and explain the true meaning of Christmas. She informed them that they would get a few presents this year because Christmas is about giving...not recieving. As they all sat cross legged in a circle Savannah yelled, "Dano, Gabryel is telling the kids that it's okay that you aren't going to give them much for Christmas....He said that Santa & Grandma are the only people that REALLY give us the big ones...is that true?" We all laughed! BTW We also lost a few Christmas bulbs (Elyjah just couldn't resist the opportunity to throw a few at his twin!). And then no one noticed when Dano and I moved the decoration from the lower limbs to the higher branches... (it was only after the kids went down for a nap...Hehehehe!) I hope to have the pictures posted tomorrow..... So..Goodbye for now ;-) FEEL FREE TO SHARE YOUR THANKSGIVING WITH ME....

Friday, November 24, 2006

Thanksgiving has come and gone. As I sat with my friends and family...(all 30 of them) I realized how lucky I am to have soooo many who love me. You all have no idea how much you mean to me. Every day I run down to my office just to find out who is on, to read my special blogs...also....to see who has left me comments:) So...I just thought I would say, "Thank you" to all my blogging friends. You all have carried me through some of the toughest times. I need to get back to the grandkids now....love ya all!!!! The kids are out of control!!! AHG! I will post again at nap time...hahahaha!!!!

I thought you all should know that http://www.4its-worth.blogspot.com/ is doing great!!!! Her husband called me last night and told me that everything went great and that she didn't get her jaw wired shut....Also, she felt better than she has since the accident :D Please continue to pray for her...and be sure and cruise over to her blog. Let her know how much we all care. Thanks!

Sunday, November 19, 2006

I just thought I would drop you all a note to remind you that my favorite sitcom "Reba" is back on!!! I'm sooooo excited! I will check in with you all after the show....BTW..the dedication to Reba was great...although, I was hoping that her sister Susie Luchsinger was sitting with her....All in all...it was a lovely and relaxing evening...Hey 4!...I just want to say..It's almost time for the surgery:) I can't wait!!!Don't be nervous...it's going to be okay..trust God and know that it is finally time for you to heal... Neurotic mom! hehehe! I needed to drop you a note...you will love the dedication to Reba:)Nada! Good luck with your exams!!! Don't be nervous...I just know you are going to do fine:) Wow! Jo! It's sooo nice of you to stop by:) I will pay you a visit this evening...I definitely need to see what is going on in your life...Okay guys...got to go:D I will chat later....Expect me to do my rounds and say "Hi" to all my blogger friends this evening...:) :) :D

Saturday, November 18, 2006

This is for you Neurotic Mom!!! Hehehehe! I just thought you might appreciate it....Hehehehe!!!! I hope you all are having a great weekend!!! Got to go now...it's time to go shopping for Thanksgiving....I just can't get over how much this dog looks like me!....Don't ya think guys??!! hahahaha!!! LOL Okay...I'm getting a little silly with the weekend here:D

I am so excited I can hardly stand it!!! CMT Giants are on tonight!!! It is in honor of Reba McEntire!!!! Here is some of the info. I recieved on the show. Check it out!!! Reba revelry — Trisha, Faith, Martina and more sing her praisesThe stars come out to pay tribute to country's fiery redhead in 'CMT Giants' showBy PETER COOPERStaff WriterLOS ANGELES — Twenty-one years ago, Reba McEntire signed autographs for a crowd at RiverGate Mall. When one awestruck young woman got to the front of the autograph line, she stood frozen in front of her singing hero, unable to think of anything to say.After several moments of pregnant pausing, McEntire initiated conversation, saying, "What's your name, honey?" The shy 19-year-old answered back, softly, "Trisha Yearwood.""I'd never stood in line and gotten someone's autograph before," said Yearwood, backstage at Hollywood's Kodak Theatre, where she and other star vocalists were preparing to honor McEntire in song. The occasion was the live concert taping of "CMT Giants," a show that airs at 7 p.m. Saturday on Country Music Television.Once Yearwood got a record deal — on McEntire's MCA Records, where the younger singer could have been considered a challenger to the star's throne — McEntire helped guide her through some of the more confusing business aspects of a burgeoning professional life."She taught me about owning your photographs, about keeping in charge of your own career," Yearwood said. "And then she also led by example, because she's someone who has stayed so true to herself. She doesn't care what someone might say about what she's doing, or how she dresses or how she does her hair. She does whatever she wants."McEntire's "whatever" has included 33 No. 1 country singles, 29 albums, a couple of Grammys, a critically acclaimed stint in the star role in Broadway's "Annie Get Your Gun," the title role in sitcom "Reba," a signature clothing line and charity work for Habitat for Humanity and other organizations. The CMT special is a celebration of such efforts, and it features Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Wynonna Judd, Kelly Clarkson, LeAnn Rimes, Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland and Megan Mullally singing songs and praises.The praise-singing came easy to these performers, the song-singing not so much. McEntire has a knack for choosing songs that provide a full showcase for her multi-octave voice. Even for singers who regularly tackle tough melodies, singing McEntire songs can be a struggle."This is a hard song," said Hill, during rehearsals, after a run through "You Lie." "Lord, my intestines are crawling up into my throat."After the rehearsal, Hill said, "Of course I'm a fan, and Reba is so great. But after singing that song, I have even more appreciation for what she does. Her gift is just huge."McBride, who cites McEntire as one of her prime influences, performed two songs on the show. One was the rangy "Whoever's in New England," and the other was a cat-fight duet with pop star Kelly Clarkson on "Does He Love You."In rehearsals, Clarkson was wide-eyed at her chance to sing with McBride, while McBride's children seemed thrilled to be in Clarkson's presence. The duet was a meeting of two singers clearly in control of their powerful voices and of their substantial stage presence. Backstage, McBride was quick to turn the talk from her singing summit with Clarkson to her admiration of McEntire."I just want to do a good job while Reba's watching," said McBride, who used to tour as McEntire's opening act. "She's an influence on all of us, and she has always done songs that matter. I think, for my generation, she's one of the only true stylists. We're friends, now, and she's always open and kind and real. But whenever I see her, I still have that reaction like a fan. I still think of her going on the CMA Awards, singing a Patsy Cline song and blowing everyone away."Clarkson, by the way, didn't use a Teleprompter for her duet with McBride or for her romp through "Why Haven't I Heard From You." A fan of McEntire all of her young life, she had no need for lyrical prompts.With rehearsals done, the cast reconvened the next night for the show, this time walking a red carpet filled with shouting media members wielding cameras. Though the concert was a television taping, there weren't many stops and starts: Mullally did "You Can't Get a Man With a Gun," a song from "Annie Get Your Gun" twice, and Judd's false start seemed to galvanize the audience and land them squarely in her corner during her version of "Is There Life Out There."The theater itself is the same one used for the Emmy awards show. In person, it appears grander and more intimate somehow than on television. As the show began, McEntire took a seat beside her parents, her husband and her son and watched as the others delivered her songs, and as non-musicians including her "Reba" show co-stars and Goodlettsville-reared James Denton of "Desperate Housewives" talked of her achievements outside of music. McEntire often leaned to her family members and expressed her surprise at what was going on: She knew who was going to be performing, but not what they would perform or what they would say about her."I was knocked out," she said. "After Kelly sang 'Why Haven't I Heard From You,' I told her, 'That's your song now,' " McEntire said.By night's end, though, McEntire said it was difficult to stay in her seat. She closed the evening with her own version of "Fancy," a hit for her and for Bobbie Gentry."You know when you were a kid at school and you got held in class during recess, because you were talking too much or something?" she asked. "Then, finally, maybe when recess is almost done, the teacher says, 'OK, you can go out and play now'? That's how I felt. I loved listening to them sing, but I wanted to get out there so bad." • If you love any of these singers...YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS!!! I will give you a review after It's over...K......

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Hi Everyone!!I'm back and things look much brighter :D I have had a rough week, but once again, I have not only survived.... I have grown so much. 1 Corinthians 8:28 is my verse for the week! If you haven't read it...please do! Maybe it will help you with whatever struggles you are going through today....I have spent alot of time really searching for answers... I have come to the conclusion that my life has been like a balloon. I have held so much inside... and it slowly became so big that when my supervisor met with me, I just blew up!! It took just a few words to send me flying around the room out of control. Has anyone else had that happen? Please don't be afraid to step forward. I could really use some honesty from any one out there reading this blog...Over the last year I have felt like I'm on an island all alone. I have been pretending to have it all together and then I just fall apart at the smallest incident. After this last explosion I began to wonder if perhaps I had finally lost my mind...(okay neurotic mom..I know you want to jump in and say something...hahaha) Seriously, I have realized that I need to face these fears. I thought after brain surgery that all the fear was gone. After all I was alive and doing great...so, maybe all the feelings were just me being dramatic.....Then I survived the heart-attack, so once again I was just being the drama queen. What I realize now is that each time something happened (in which my safety was questioned) my fears multiplied...I know I should give it all to God. But, for me that is sooooo difficult! I am embarraced to admit that I struggle with trusting even God with my fears. (by the way...I know I am going to regret this post....) Anyway,... my head tells me that I have no reason to be afraid. But, my heart is afraid...I still hurt!!...Every time something happens in my life it brings me back to my childhood. Please pray that I can overcome this situation through Gods hand??!! 1 Corinthians 8:28 is going to be posted everywhere until I feel like I can say it in my sleep. The verse reminds me that God uses the most difficult things for His good. Like...if I didn't go through what I did in my childhood I would not have a book...He took a horrible situation and made good things happen. God is an awesome God!!!! I know I am going to be okay...but, still pray for me.....Thanks for listening...I will post again tomorrow...

Monday, November 13, 2006

Today was such a difficult day! I'm so glad it's almost over!! Have you ever felt like you just can't keep it together no matter what you do and you have no idea why? Well, that was me all day. I found myself crying from the time my supervisor spoke with me this morning until now.. I finally have a minute to just sit and reflect on my day. I look back and it feels like it must be someone else hurting...It just can't be me!!! Then I get angry and think,"Why would I let someone get to me so deeply?" Then I realize that my biggest fear is that I will never be able to keep up with the rest of the world ever again....I just feel like I am absolutely stupid!!! I hate the fact that I had brain surgery and things that come so easily to others...well needless to say...they just don't come easy to me!!! I wonder if I will ever gain the ability to just learn like everyone else. I always need to be told repeatedly...and then write every word down...then hopefully I will absorb the information....But, sometimes the information just doesn't seem to stay...My supervisor said that she needs me to be rested so that I will hear the information clearly....she doesn't want to repeat herself....Those words were devistating to me!!! I fell apart and have not really stopped crying since!! It isn't the supervisors fault...It really isn't anyones fault that I struggle...It is something that I will always have to battle. This is the reason why I didn't go back to work for so long. The fear that I may not ever gain my memory has haunted me for years. And well...now I have to face it. I have to accept the fact that things are more difficult for me...that maybe I am handicapped...I don't know...I do know that for today...I am totally exhausted...The good thing about today is that I have faced my biggest fear and lived to write about it. I will check in tomorrow...I am just too discouraged.....

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Here is my daughter Savannah stitting in the pumkin patch. I absolutely love this picture!! She is definitely my "Fairy Princess"...Don't ya think? Gabryel (my grandson) looks so brave...After all, Captain Hook is the bravest man ever!! Don't ya love his mustache?? hehehe!! Notice Savannah just had to be in the picture. LOL They are such good buddies... Here are the two buddies after too much candy. Notice the look on Gabe face..he has had defenitely enough. But...nooo Savannah wants to make sure they get one more ride in before it's time to go. LOL Notice, Gabryel isn't too happy at the speed of this train...But, his Aunt can't stop the train now...hahaha! So, he just put his hands up in the air and decided if you can't fight them ..just join them....

Here are the Little ones! They were so active it was exhausting...but, wonderful!!! Elyjah is "Stitch"...(From the cartoon "Lilo and Stitch"). He yells, "Look Grandma! This is a big piece of candy! ...Can I eat it now??" Josiah is Rolly..(from the cartoon "Rolly Polly"). He is thinking.."What are we doing? Is this going to take all day?" LOL haha! Dumbo..(James) said, "Bag this...I'm going shoot some hoops!!" Can you tell he has a low attention span?..LOL His dad (Michah) was sooo proud. I just had to get this picture...hehehe "Watch out Josiah!!" Elyjah is going to hit ya Bud!!! Quick...RUN!!!Dano (Danielle, my oldest daughter) wanted a picture too...So, here she is with Josiah and the baby Poppy (James). Don't ya think Josiah is thinking, "Okay mom...Do I have to do this again?!" WHEW!! What an exhausting day for the twins! Poor Elijah...Josiah just couldn't make it home without a "cat nap"...or should I say a "Rolly Polly" nap! I say, "Thank God for such a wonderful memory!...But, thank God this day is almost over...." I hope you all enjoyed this day just almost as much as we did....

Tuesday, October 24, 2006

Unseen ChildA Tag: Pop QuizTagged by Jo! Now, I've tagged 4 people!1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4. "Excel for Dummies" Can help you…..( I know pretty lame) 2. Stretch your left arm out as far as youcan.Wow! I still can’t touch the walls of my cubicle.3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?“The Lake House”….Another chick flick …..And of course "Reba".4.Without looking, guess what time it is?YES!!!! IT IS ALMOST TIME TO GO HOME….5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?NO!!!!! AAAHHHH MAN!!! IT’S ONLY 2:00!!!!6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?The Radio… “BABY YOU SAVE ME”?? (I have no idea what kinda song this is).7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?Lunch!!!! Chipotle….now my tummy hurts and I feel the need to take a long nap!8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?Hello!!!!….The clock…9. What are you wearing?From-head-to-toe. 1).Kaki slacks…2) White shirt….3) Green blazer (is that what they call it now?) The usual…a) underwear) bra, c) socks d) and these cute little boots….e) eye glasses…f) hormone patch..(Wait! Was I supposed to tell you that?)10. Did you dream last night?Yep!! It was a nightmare!! I just went into surgery and the Doctor turned to my family and said, “She didn’t make it….She died right after we put her under…(Yeah…I have no idea how I overheard this conversation…)11. When did you last laugh?I am laughing (as I attempt to type this ….without anyone looking into my cubicle)…LOL12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?Lot’s of pictures of my family….rules for work…phone numbers for the employees here in the office….and yea a ton of reminders. (you know what I mean…those “post its”)13. Seen anything weird lately?Well…I live with a bunch of teenagers and so it is like living in one of those scary movies…you know the one that the child gets possessed by some demon…so, yep! That’s my house…Very weird… and VERY SCARY!!!14. What do you think of this quiz?It was a wonderful way to pass my time…oooppsss sssshhhhh….I should be working …15. What is the last film you saw?None….I have to stick with videos….too broke…16. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?Well….Definitely a movie theater!!17. Tell me something about you that I dunno.Sometimes I cry when my grandchildren cry…(I just noticed I don’t when my children cry…uummm I wonder why?)18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?World peace…I know typical answer…but, this was all I could think of right away…19. Do you like to dance?Yep!!! Ask my children…I dance every morning! I wake up to Country Music …weird huh…I think I’m revealing too much…20. George Bush...Father or son?21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?Angel…(After 8 children I can’t think of any more names…you ask 25 years too late)22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?Christian….(ditto to number 21)23. Would you ever consider living abroad?No…I hate to fly, float, and trains make me sick.24. What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?That is so easy….I live my life with the hope that He will not say, “Whew!!! I’m sure glad you made it”…I WANT HIM TO SAY, “MY GOOD AND FAITHFUL DAUGHTER…THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT I HAVE ASKED.” At that point HE will show me my very own castle…covered in many jewels…right next to the biggest mall!!! (How about that? Shopping for eternity)25. 4 people: 1)Diane (I know you love to do this)...2)4 what it's worth (of course)3) Minotte's Notes ( I hope she does it:) 4)Crazy Bloggin' Canuck (long time no see Amber) By the way guys...please cut and copy your answers here too..I want everyone to read them....Have fun guys! Got to get back to work:D

Monday, October 23, 2006

It is time to update you on my little friend from Iraq. Please continue to pray for her safety and the safety of her loved ones. Here is her last post. Written on Friday, October 20, 2006. Please go to her blog and drop her a note of support....From the middle of the events ...On Thursday, terrorists attacked the police station behind my house , it was a horrible day ..I couldn't sleep well at the night before because of bad flu, I woke up at 7 am , while I was still in my bed I heard VERY loud explosion but it seemed to be far away from my neighborhood. I left bed and went to the living room ,at 7:30 while my mom was preparing to go to work we heard many explosions with heavy shooting just behind our house , my brother ( two years and half) ran from his room , shouting , crying , and shaking " MAMMY , NO,MAMMY " , he was sleepy , my sister was also asleep she left her room crawling , we hide in my grandparents' guest room , my grandpa was in his work , as soon as he reached there, two vehicles exploded near al-mosul university , we were very worried about him. he saw the whole thing . in that horrible explosion 25 were killed and 38 were badly injured ,all were from Iraqi citizens.many rockets fall on my neighborhood and in other regions that day , 19 innocents died , thank god my family and I are ok .. the phone didn't stop ringing all day long, our relatives and friends were checking us..I called my friend" B" , she said that at 7:30 am , the police station near her house was attacked by terrorists too , a nearby neighborhood noticed a battle also, so I think the situation is horrible in Musol as a whole…There is a curfew , and it will last for some time, I guess..Last week , the terrorists wanted to occupy mosul , but they failed. They will NEVER win ..It was a tough week for me , in every day I spend at least an hour trying to find an open way to go to school , it has been a month since I started school , and until now , I didn't go to school easily.I saw a video in Nineveh TV .in which a brave Iraqi policeman suspected in a driver driving his car speedy and coming toward the police station , he shot the driver before reaching the police station , but unfortunately the car exploded , to kill the brave policeman , who saved many souls, I was very touched by this video, god bless the policeman soul..Oh , I heard so many tragic news this week !!!. I very much appreciate your concern about Mohamed, his family doesn't want money, they just want an organization can send their child to a good hospital , Mohamed is very sick , and he is getting worse, so please hurry up..Eid will be on Sunday or Monday , I wish from the bottom of my heart that we will not have a curfew , and I will enjoy Eid .I didn't have fun since my grandparents left us, the first day we will have a big family meeting in my dad uncle's house , I am eager .Sunshine ..

Saturday, October 21, 2006

I woke up this morning and did what I always do. I ran down stairs to my office to see who had visited my blog. I had to laugh when I scrolled down and realized that Alyssa's video wasn't there! LOL She is with Dano for the day...so, I will have her work on it when she gets back. It is her turn to add her post to the blog....so, she will be mad if I do it wrong. So, I guess we will all have to wait....

I woke up this morning frustrated with my children. I found myself saying the exact same thing my mother said to me. You all know what I'm talking about. Everytime my mom came up with comments (that she thought were words of wisdon) I would mumble, "I'm never going to say this to my children when I grow up". Now, I realize my mother was a very wise woman! I found this and felt that it was more than appropriate for my situation.The Great Things My Mom Taught Me!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------This fun page is for all of the mothers of the world who lovingly try to teach their kids some of life's most important lessons.

In the end, little brats just end up growing into bigger brats without learning a thing, but hey, at least mothers try their best to teach them something along the way! Thanks, and enjoy.....

My Mother Taught Me About...

1. My Mother taught me about ANTICIPATION...

"Just wait until your father gets home."

2. My Mother taught me about RECEIVING....

"You are going to get it when we get home!"

3. My Mother taught me to MEET A CHALLENGE...

"What were you thinking? Answer me when I talk to you! Don't talk back to me!"

4. My Mother taught me LOGIC...

"If you fall out off that swing and break your neck, you're not going to the store with me."

5. My Mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE...

"If you don't stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way."

6. My Mother taught me to THINK AHEAD...

"If you don't pass your spelling test, you'll never get a good job."

7. My Mother taught me HUMOR...

"When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don't come running to me."

8. My Mother taught me how to BECOME AN ADULT...

"If you don't eat your vegetables, you'll never grow up."

9. My Mother taught me about GENETICS...

"You're just like your father."

10. My Mother taught me about my ROOTS...

"Do you think you were born in a barn?"

11. My Mother taught me about WISDOM OF AGE...

"When you get to be my age, you will understand."

And last but not least...

12. My Mother taught me about JUSTICE...

"One day you'll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you....Then you'll see what it's like!"

Hi Everyone!!!I have missed you all soooo much. Yes...I am still sick.... I finally saw a surgeon Tuesday. She found the source of all my pain and I will be going to her for shots until she is able to get me in for surgery. I went to my cardiologist on Monday and she sent me to her friend right away. Of course her friend is a surgeon. So...I had a chance to talk with her about my pain and all the while I kept interrupting her saying, "They found nothing on the tests and so maybe there isn't any reason to be here". She finally said, "Diana, there is something wrong with you...I just need to run a few tests to get the answer". Well, she touched my stomach and I screamed, "No! Don't touch me!" I didn't mean to yell....but, I was so afraid of anyone else touching me! I was in more pain after all the tests in the hospital. I was convinced that she would send me home in more pain than when I came in. And if that was the case there would never survive!! Or so I thought...I know...a little on the dramatic side! LOL But, it really hurt!! So anyway, this Doctor was awesome!!!! I don't trust many Doctors. Actually there is a total of 3 that I really trust with my life. One is my family pratictioner and one is my cardiologist. The other one is of course my therapist!! LOL Or should I say...Was my therapist. I haven't seen her in such a long time. Anyway, back to the subject at hand. This Doctor was able to inject some L------(I have no idea what it was). She shot it in my hip and the pain was finally gone. Atleast for 24 hours. She told me that the pain was due to my last major surgery. Not my heart attack..but, my hernia surgery. There is pinched nerves in my pelvic area and...you are not going to believe this...When they did the hernia surgery they never repaired the hernia!!!!! I know! I couldn't believe it either!!!!! I may still have the hernia!!! OMGosh!!! Well, I will be going back tomorrow to get a shot and sum up the treatment plan. I go in to the hospital on Monday to get another ultra sound. And hopefully fit in another shot. Then we will decide when to schedule surgery next week. This entire week I have been thinking of my friend 4 what its worth. I have been whining about my aches and pains. Yet, I have been able to see one Doctor after another. Yet, 4 what its worth has waited for soooo long to get in for surgery. I'm so sorry my friend. I will be praying that your day comes soon!! Once again we are so spoiled by being in America that we often complain, yet when so many would wait days or even weeks in the hospital if it meant they could get the medical care they need. Instead, I whine about just 6 hours. So...while I am sitting in the waiting room (or in the hospital) I will definitely bite my toung and just be thankful that I have insurance and a Doctor. I am beginning to babble so I think I will say goodnight...The pain medication is definitely kicking in.....zzzzzzzzzzz

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Hi Guys!Sorry I haven't been writing lately. Work has been taking up a ton of my time. I absolutely love my job!! Abby has been training me in so many areas. I can't wait until Monday. I just know I will be challenged to lean more. I am also getting ready to go back to school. Hopefully I will be going back on October 30th. So, anyway I need to tell you what happened to me over the last 24 hours.Well, I spent 6 hours in the emergency room yesterday. I have been having sharp pains in my pelvic area for several months now. I was up vomiting on Thursday and by Friday morning I was hurting so bad that it was hard to stand or walk. So, I called the Doctor and she said that it was probably my hernia acting up again. She scheduled an appointment to get x-rays. I went in and waited.... and waited.... and then waited some more. After 2 hours they took me in for an ultra sound and then informed me that they could find nothing. So, the Doctor recommended I go to the emergency room to get a cat scan. After 3 more hours they determined that it could be scar tissue and possible nerve damage from a hernia surgery I had last year. Then the Doctor handed me some pain medication and told me to get some sleep. I thought to myself, "Yep! It's definately nerve damage!! And they better watch out because I am on my last one!!" One...I hate to take narcotics and two... I hate to be told that they don't know what is wrong with me after I just paid hundreds of dollars for testing!!! I am soooo angry and yes...I still hurt! My Doctor called and asked me to come back in for more tests on Monday. Angrily, I responded,"I don't think so!!!" I don't know what else they can do to me. This is what happened for a year before my heart attack They couldn't figure out what was wrong with me and after many tests and embarrassing moments they began treating me as if I was an hypochondriac. Needless to say, after I finally gave up all the tests and just accepted that maybe I was crazy...I was rushed into the emergency room with a massive heart-attack!!! I know when there is something wrong with my body! But, I can't afford to go back for more tests only to find out that once again they don't know why I am hurting and give me more pain medication. They look at me as if I am crazy and perhaps I am so desperate for attention that I just impulsively go to the Doctors. So, therefore I won't be going back to the Doctor or the hospital. I will not take strong doses of pain medication. I will just wait. I believe that eventually my body will show whatever is going on. Until then I will do what I always do..Use humor. After all..laughter is the best medicine.

So... I have included some jokes and comics. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.BTW..I laughed so hard my side hurt! LOLGetting Older:Three older ladies were discussing the problems of getting older. One declares, "Sometimes I catch myself in front of the refrigerator with a jar of mayonnaise in my hand, and for a brief moment can't remember whether I need to put it away, or start making a sandwich." The second lady chimes in, "Yes, sometimes I find myself on the landing of the stairs, and can't remember if I'm on my way up or down." The third one responds, " Well, I'm glad I don't have that problem; knock wood," as she taps her knuckles on the table. "That must be someone at the door, I'll get it!"Emotional ComebackA man who was in the ICU was slipping in and out of a coma for several months, yet his wife stayed by his bedside each and every day. One day, when he came through, he motioned for her to come nearer.As she sat by him, he whispered, eyes full of tears, "You know what? You have been with me all through the bad times. When I got fired, you were there to support me. When my business failed, you were there. When I got shot, you were by my side. When we lost the house, you stayed right here. When my health started failing, you were still by my side. You know what?""What, dear?" the wife asked, smiling as her heart began to fill with warmth."I think you're bad luck!"

Do you understand your doctor's language?Doctor says: "One of several things could cause your symptoms."Doctor means: "I haven't the foggiest idea what's wrong with you."Doctor says: "Are you certain you haven't had this before?"Doctor means: "Because now you've got it again."Doctor says: "I'd like to run that last test over."Doctor means: "The lab lost your sample."Doctor says: "This prescription has a few side effects."Doctor means: "You may experience sudden hair growth on your palms."Doctor says: "Your insurance should cover most of this."Doctor means: "You'll havetosell your house to cover the rest." Doorbell rings...Feeling edgy, a man took a hot bath.Just as he became comfortable, the doorbell rang. The man got out of the tub, put on his slippers and robe and went to the door. A salesman at the door wanted to know if he needed any brushes. Slamming the door, the man returned to the bath. The doorbell rang again. On went the slippers and robe, and the man started for the door again. He took one step, slipped on a wet spot, fell backward, and hit his back against the hard porcelain bathtub. Cursing under his breath, the man struggled into his street clothes and with every move a stab of pain, drove to the doctor. After examining him, the doctor said, "You know, you've been lucky. Nothing is broken. But you need to relax. Why don't you go home and take a long hot bath?" Doctor's opinion..A patient complained to his doctor, "I've been to three other doctors and none of them agreed with your diagnosis." The doctor calmly replied, "Just wait until the autopsy, then they'll say that I was right."

Hot Water or Cold WaterA business executive injured his leg skiing one weekend. By the time he got home Saturday, the leg was very swollen and he was having difficulty walking, so he called his physician at his home. The doctor told him to soak it in hot water. He tried soaking it in hot water but the leg became more swollen and painful. His maid saw him limping and said, "I don't know, I'm only a maid, but I always thought it was better to use cold water, not hot, for swelling." He tried switching to cold water and the swelling rapidly subsided. On Sunday afternoon he called his Dr. again to complain. "Say, what kind of a doctor are you anyway? You told me to soak my leg in hot water and it got worse. My maid told me to use cold water and it got better." "Really?" answered the doctor, "I don't understand it. My maid said to use hot water."This exactly how I have felt over the last couple of years!!! So I ask you, "Why do I have to continue to show them where it hurts????"This one reason I don't take pain medication from an emergency Doctor! LOL Don't you hate this...Talk about stress!!!

Monday, October 02, 2006

I came home tonight and found the house a total disaster!!! I was soooo angry! I turned to my middle child and said, "Why didn't your clean the house?...(I then paused & took a deep breath)...You had 4 hours!" The response I got was,"Okay mom, let's not get irrational now". I hate when they use my lingo against me! So, like usual I grounded them and put them all to bed at 8:00. Yes! Now I have the computer to myself! Once again I received a cute little note from my special little friend...Diane:) It sure fit for my situation. So, I say,"I need patience Lord!! RIGHT NOW LORD!!!!!!! haaha lol Thanks Diane:DThis picture can mean many things. This picture reminds me that everyone has a little child inside them. Please share what this picture means to you.....

Saturday, September 30, 2006

What kind of world is it my friend that little children see?I wonder if they see God first because they just believe?Do they see strength in caring eyes who watch them as they play--or maybe love through gentle hands that guide them on their way?

Do you think they dream of future times when they would be a king---or just enjoy their present life while with their friends they sing?

Do they see the acts of kindness done for people who are poor?Is the very best in everyone what they are looking for?And when the day is over, as they close their eyes to sleep,do they look forward to tomorrow with its promises to keep?

If this is what the children see, then it should be no surprise, the world be a better placeif we all had children's eyes.Poem from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul 3

This is a picture from a good friend. She volunteered in Africa last summer. This is a little girl she worked with in the orphanage. As I was skimming through my pictures, Nichole thought this would be perfect for the blog tonight....What do you think?

I was getting ready to sign off and I came across a picture Diane sent me. Isn't this funny? I need to go...my kids are standing here demanding I get of. OOOPS!! I really need to go....Savannah is screaming, "Mom, Gabryel has my dress on and he won't give it back!!" LOL Hey, Diane if you get this note....call me??? Love you all!!! 4 we definitely need to chat this weekend and I will make sure I find a soft chair. LOL Miss ya tons....The kids are really screaming now!!!! Got to go!

I saw this pictures and it reminded me of my evening with my kids. I have been recieving wonderful kisses and hugs from them all. Needless to say some of them were pretty slimy!! LOL I have been having trouble with my aol and so I haven't been on all day!!! So, I just wanted to drop a note and say,"Hi" I need to go put two of the grandkids to bed now....But, I plan on returning in the morning. Love you all! Thanks for dropping by....

Thursday, September 28, 2006

I spent all evening sitting in the traffic. I couldn't wait to get home!!!! When I got here, I quickly ran down stairs to check my mail and I found this wating for me. Thanks Diane:D I hope this makes you laugh (just as much as it did me;) Well, my daughters have been acting out so bad and one is driving me crazy with the question of "When am I done being grounded?" I just found myself wanting to scream this! "When hell freezes over!!!" Can anyone else relate to me???? I have to go... they're up stairs screaming!! Have a happy friday!!! I will chat tomorrow.....

Saturday, September 23, 2006

I need to yell S.O.S!!! Actually, I really need to yell S.O.C. Which means "Save Our Children". And scream, "Can anyone see the danger in Iraq?" I hope by now you can all see my frustration. So many people will not see a child beyond their front door. BTW, if neighbors wouldn't put me in jail I would yell from my front porch to get peoples attention!!! That is who I am! I don't want to get into politics...but, I don't feel it is right to let this go on unnoticed. I will stand up and do all I can for a child in need. You bloggers need to too!!! I want to blog today about my friend "Sunshine". Her blog is http://livesstrong.blogspot.com/. That is exactly what she does... She "Lives Strong". She is a young girl of 14 and she needs our prayers!!! Having spoke with many Christians the first question they ask is, "Does she know the Lord?" I need to respond with, "Yes...but, fear is fear!!" Please put yourself in her home. In her family. She is a big sister, a daughter, and a young teenager!!! I met her through my son Josiah. He introduced me to her last Christmas. She is the person who gave me the desire to blog. Although, I feel the need to let you know Neurotic Mom help me put this desire into action. Thanks Neurotic mom:) So, anyway, Josiah is a boy full of compassion and came across her blog and said, "Mom you need to read her blog. Her name is Sunshine and she is incredibly strong for her age. She is the same age as Alyssa ( my daughter). And I can't imagine what any of my little sisters would do if this happen to them". Of course with this information I had to go to her blog. Here is where I started:I'm SunshineFrom IraqI was born in 29/1/1992 , I grow up among well educated family. My school is far away from my home & the way to it is dangerous , so every day considered as a challenge. I have many dreams & ambitions, I wish that one day they become true . I want to be an engineer in the future , my mom always support me to accomplish my ambitions … optimism is my strategy always… Computer & internet are my life & what I do in my spare time , But if we don’t have electricity, I spend my spare time reading , writing, listening to music ,& doing some handmade work … I found that Blogging is a great way to express my thoughts , opinions, & feelings to the world ,to get friends & to share them my happy & sad moments…. This is sooo powerful because it is written through the innocence of a child. You can see her honesty in the words she types. When I first started reading I was comforted to see life wasn't as bad as I had imagined. She said, "This is what life is really like living as an a child in Bagdad". She spoke of how it wasn't as bad as the press made it sound. She showed precious pictures of her family and a birthday party. I was able to see life through her eyes. As I continued to read the many posts I was shocked to see the change. The violence had moved to her part of the city and her parents could no longer protect her from danger. It is now all around her!! I'm glad that by blogging other bloggers can see the changes one goes through in life. She was a child without fear and after a few posts was soon a brave young girl who has to cling to God for protection. Yet through everything she has hope in people and in life. Please read this post and go immediately to her blog and comment. Encourage this young girl that life is worth fighting for. This is a concept which most of have forgotten. She is here to remind us of what it is like looking through the eyes of yet another hurting child!!! Please note...this is not a political blog and to comment politically to a child her age will only increase her fears....also, anger towards adults....Thursday, September 14, 2006Good and Bad news ..The day before yesterday at afternoon I felt so happy when I knew that my grandparents will visit us next week , as you know they live in Baghdad , and we didn’t see them for 8 months because the road to Baghdad is very dangerous and most of the time locked by US troops , and I can’t spend long time in the car in such hot weather because I have asthma , I talked to my grandma few days ago by internet as there is no phone services between us , and I told her about my mom , and how she misses them ,and that she became very frustrated and angry person , in the same day grandpa decided to risk and come to Mosul next week .We made a good program to them , they will stay only 5 days in Mosul, in the first day they will rest, then in the next day we will visit the uncles and relatives , the next day in the morning we will go to Kurdistan ( YES , I am sooooo excited, we will go to Dhook which is about 30 minutes by car , and we will visit a near by summer resort ) , next morning we will have our breakfast in a Casino near the Tigris river , (I went there few days ago , and took pictures and video to show you ) , then in the next day we will celebrate my grandma’s birthday . please pray that they will arrive Mosul safely and have a comfortable and quick journey.yesterday my mom and I began to prepare and clean the house , windows and everything , and I wanted to organize my room , it was in a horrible condition ( but now it is organized) , as my room very very hot I didn’t enter it or organize it since 4 months , I have only a fan , and the air-cooler doesn’t work !! ,anyway at 10:30 am while I was cleaning the floor and my mom was organizing the library, heavy shooting began , I told my mom to go downstairs , because there are big windows in our living room, but she replied “ no , just stay away from the windows “ suddenly many near by explosions were heard , without any word, I carried my brother and ran , my mom and sister ran too , we hide downstairs for an hour , the sound of the explosions and shootings were so high , my brother was very scared , he hold my mom so tight , my grandma’s face looked pale, and everyone was tired from the uncomfortable sit !!!! I remembered the old days when we used to hide under the stairs or stand near the corner for 5 and 6 hours , everyone was praying for the policemen, national guards, and the neighbors safety, and that the good guys win the fight against the bad, and that’s what happened , after an hour our policemen and national guards with the help of the US troops who came after an hour with many helicopters defeated the terrorists.My family members didn’t injure ( thank god ) , but bullets entered the walls and hit a neon ( small losses ) , but a woman and boy were killed when a mortar fall on their house , & the dad was badly injured , in the same time another neighborhood witnessed a fight , 8 citizens were injured , and one man was killed .We were happy in the day before , then we became upset and scared in the next day, we kept hearing shootings and explosions all the day , my brother couldn’t sleep at night , he was very frightened.In the same day I was checking my E-mails , and I found an offline message from my grandma says “ yesterday your grandpa went to the market , and while he was shopping, the US soldiers started to walk in the street , they were many , your grandpa asked a soldier gently whether he can depart , and do you know what the soldier answered ? he said “shut up”. ! grandpa turned to another soldier and asked him the same question – son , can I go of please ?- and the soldier replied “ we are leaving, in a moment “.“ I chatted with grandma I was so angry , that soldier’s attitude ,affected my respect to the military so badly, because the soldiers should represent their country’s ethics and leave a good impression , this bad soldier was so impolite and rude , I told my grandma ( relax grandma , the soldier’s parents didn’t behave him well , that’s in case he has parents , I am sure that he lives in a box under the bridge ,and he is blessed to sleep in a tank ! ) and I still mean what I said , my grandpa is very educated wise respectful man , and he is loved by everyone, , my grandpa is a civil engineer , studied in USA , he traveled round the world because he worked for the “Arab organization for the industrial development” , that soldier SHOULDN’T talk to grandpa like that.Sunshine Please pay Sunshine a visit! Read her blog and the links to her family and friends....Another powerful blog!http://aviraqi.blogspot.com

Thursday, September 21, 2006

It is three a.m. and I can't sleep. When ever that happens I know God is either asking me to deal with something or a friend is hurting....Well in this case my friend is hurting. It is http://4its-worth.blogspot.com/. Today, I would like you to read a portion of her post and run right over to her blog and finish reading it. Life is sooo hard at times and I believe blogging is a way of helping people in time of need. My friend needs all of you!!! Please show her who bloggers really are and be there for her and her hubby right now!!! Here is a portion of her post from last night: I have had a lot of Black-heart days lately. The summer heat has given way to the dullness and chill of fall. My constant companions from the lazy days of summer have gone back to school. This ongoing wait for my surgery has taken all that I am. The pain that has become my companion is unwelcome yet ever-present. Missing the newness and eager anticipation of the school year has seeped into my heart. Being at home, without children has left me as an outsider; mom's groups and Church groups facilitate for moms and tots..not moms and nots.It's a frustrating feeling. And I take it day by day. But unlike depression, where one can not see an end, I know that this situation, this feeling is temporary. So why the post? I am looking for help. My resources for R&R are tapped out.What do you do? On the days when you would rather climb under a rock, how do you get yourself on top of the rock again? What music do you listen to, who do you call, what do you wear, where do you go, what do you watch? I would love to hear what others do to break the blues. I'm not going to post today because another blogger needs you all...so pass on by me.....it is now time to reach out to my friend....Remember, remind her that bloggers WILL be there when times are tough. DAY OR NIGHT!! I'm sending you a big hug S!!! Love ya tons and I am praying that this helps....also, remember all you have to do is call;)

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

It's been a wonderful 2 days:) I'm sure when I have been working for weeks I will post about the dark and dreary office. But, for now it is sooooo much better than my old job and guess what? I got to pick up my blazers from the drycleaners!!! YES! My life is finally returning to normal!!! But...(yes I need to add "but") I leave the house at 6:40 am and Savannah has decided that this is her chance to rebel! She is refusing to brush her hair. So all the dark glossy strands of hair that once flowed down her back is now a nappy, tangled mess:O She is convinced that she can brush over the top layer and I will not notice. However, the bump in the back of her head is a dead giveaway!!! So Savannah...this picture is for you!!! LOL PLEASE BRUSH YOUR HAIR IN THE MORNING!!!!! BTW! I will be checking my blog from the office...ahem...on my break;) So, if anyone wants to drop me a note...I will be waiting...ahem...on my break that is!!!

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Hi Guys!!! Yes! It has finally come:) I will now be working for Verizon! I have totally enjoyed all the friends I met at my old job...but, it is time to move on:D Life has changes and sometimes they catch you by surprise and sometimes you find yourself yelling at God, "Anytime now Lord!!!" Well, please pray that I am all that they ask for in an employee? BTW...I will be able to blog on my lunch hour...and check my mail throughout the day...HOW AWESOME IS THAT?!! LOL I will now have the time to go back to my old ways...which means I will soon be relaxing on the weekends. Again, means more time to chat with all of you:D

My kids are absolutely driving me crazy!! Anyone who knows me will totally understand this post!! I recieved a phone call yesterday (at work) informing me that my child was acting out. So...immediately I ask, "Which one?" The teacher responds, "Well both of your girls". So then I assume they were teaming up to defend themselves against some bully. "Well, not exactly"the young teacher says. I'm now thinking, "Get on with it woman I'm at work". Then she proceeds to tell me that the two girls were out of control in class screaming at each other. Please note this is a special class for children who are Developementally Delayed and have emotional problems. "What??? You mean they were screaming at each other? In front of the class! Great!! What next?" I mumbled. She continues, "I'm concerned that you and your family may need therapy..." Okay! Now I am totally ticked off! I then tell the teacher, "I'm at work and I will deal with this later". Thinking okay she will say, "I understand..this can wait until Monday". But nooo!!! She interrupts me with, "I'm concerned that we aren't working as a team". Okay, I'm a counselor. I have been working with kids with "Attachment Disorder" forever and then I attempt to educate her on my daughters illness and how we as a family are seeking help from the school psychologist... She then interrupts, (yes again) "Well, I'm concerned that your daughter isn't eating". "OMGosh!!! She looks fine and we give her lunch money everyday!" I thought. So I respond, "Do you see her eat?" She says, "Well, she has been begging for money and only when we give her money, is she able to eat. Is your family having money problems?" I am soooo angry and I firmly tell her, "I have to go and I will be in on Monday to discuss this with a person who is old enough to have children and is a specialist in "Attachment Disorder" and "Borderline Personality Disorder". I go about the rest of my day stirring about this teacher and how uneducated she is. Then the school psychologist calls and apologizes for the call from the teacher. "Thank goodness! He has known me for 6 years and knows my kids," I sighed. So, everyone went to bed early and this morning I awoke to two girls asking for me to go to the store to get tampons".....One saying, "I don't know why, but, I can't stop eating...especially chocolate". So I ask you, "How could have this entire conflict been provented?" Do you see why this post was much needed today??? Okay...now I feel better:) Thanks for listening to my venting:)

Okay, everyone I have a challenge for each of you. Imagine your sitting in group therapy for a 12 step program to over come addiction to e-mail. What would your first confession be? You are probably saying to yourself.."Oh no! You first Diana!"...Well, okay...here it goes..I'm ashamed to admit this...but...(gulp)...(sigh)...(turn red)..I leave the spam mail on so it appears like I have more mail!!....Now I must slouch down in my chair and pray that I am now invisible ....Okay your turn?

Friday, September 15, 2006

This blog is written for those of you who have the ability to care!!Don't rush throughlife without seeing what God is trying to tell you.Life is filled with so manylessons. I believe God uses the most painful situations to create compassion deep within each of us. So often people take life for granted. But, in our family that is not so. We have survived September 11. But, before that we survived my brain surgery. I know my kids were deeply effected by me losing my eyesite and balance. For a year they were reminded daily that they could lose me at anytime. Through alot of hard work I was able to walk again and through a miracle my eyesight (which was gone for seconds at a time) had returned permanently. The Doctors have said I am now healed and life will return to normal. I ask you, "After so much trauma does life ever become normal for anyone?" For the Albertsens the answer will always be "No". I'm not saying we live in fear of disaster. We value life. The reality is you will never know what lies ahead. My son wrote this on his blog yesterday. It is amazing how one post can remind you of life and how precious it is....Please read this and value the wisdom that comes from trauma. Josiahs words..... Now I'm tired.About ten minutes ago I really didn't think that I was tired. I've worked 16 out of the past 24 hours at my new job as a security guard for Presbyterian/St. Luke's Hospital. I took this job because it will be flexible for when I go back to school and the pay is nice. After a marathon day and night shift I feel like I've come out wiser and that I've experienced a lot. I've worked at a hospital for over a year valeting cars, but I never worked inside one. The situation inside is much, much different.There was a kid yesterday who was breathing hard and crying as another guard and myself escorted him, the EMT's and his mom to an ICU room from the Helipad. It was a "hot drop", which means that every second counted and the helicopter pilot couldn't waste any time to stop the motor before the child was unloaded and taken in. The propellers were loud, the EMT's were yelling stats at the nurse, and I helped as much as I could with opening doors and clearing people out of the way once we got out of the elevator and into the halls. We reached the ICU and than doctors swarmed into the room he had been wheeled into and everyone was moving everywhere. The air medics moved back from the group to collect their things and headed back to their helicopter. A few hours later I was doing my rounds and I walked by to see all of the cords unplugged and his face and body covered up with sheets. None of the expensive equipment was hooked up to him anymore. The doctors were putting away their cords and cleaning up the room, but other than that the once busy scene was now silent.I walked by and said nothing, because there was nothing I could say. I had no connection to the family or the doctors, and yet a feeling of sadness rushed over me that was hard to shake. I realise now that I had probably walked by many other people who were close to death in that same ten minute span and didn't even realise it. Later on in the shift I pushed a body to the morgue from a different area of the hospital and felt the somber, creepy feeling again. This was my first shift of my new job.When my shift was up I walked over to Abby's apartment. I got inside and laid down my head to try and relax. I dozed off and had a few terrible nightmares. When she got home she sat beside me and I was almost instantly calmed. We relaxed, watched Curb Your Enthusiasm, laughed, and ate dinner. It was enough to prepare me for work again. She dropped me off at midnight at the ER, we kissed goodbye and I walked in. When I entered I encountered a quiet scene, and than a song from a music box played on the PA system which meant that a baby had just been born somewhere in the hospital. The doctors and nurses of the ER didn't move from their tasks or even move their heads. They kept up with their paper shuffling, their chatting with eachother, their typing, and their answering of the phones. The patients in the room slept peacefully to the consistent, steady beeps of their heart monitors.I took another moment to reflect. These lives that we lead are precious.9:09 AM - Josiah

If you are hurt by this blog please move on. I am not out to hurt anyone! So please do not send comments of, "Please continue to hurt". The US and Canada derserve what they get!" "I hope you & your family die!" "The US must die!" "Destroy Canada!" Those are hurtful and totally inappropriate. So I ask you, "Do I go to your blog and say hurtful things because you believe differently?" I ask for the same respect!!! Blogging is for venting, keeping people up to date on your life, and supproting others. If anyone agrees with this please comment? Warning...I will be doing a post this afternoon on September 11 and what it means to me. If this is painful, please move on. I am not out to bring others pain.....

Friday, September 08, 2006

Here is an excerpt from my book. Perhaps this will help others understand me. And give you an idea of the confusion I experience at times. My daughter found this picture and I decided to add it to my words. This is a picture of all the many people who died on September 11. Note, this is how my book begins. Only by acknowledgment can one find healing.

It was 3:00 am, the morning of nine-eleven-two thousand three. The flashing lights from my clock lit the room. It was too early to be awake, a heavy sick feeling rested in my stomach. Was it the memory of my husband’s family, and the friends they lost this day, two years ago...? Or could it be that this day held something even more frightening…? My mind drifted back… My husband was born and raised in New York before he began his trip out west to attend Bible College. It was there we met, in the early 1980’s, and were married shortly after. The mid-west would become our home, but New York City was where my new family lived. After twenty years I felt like I was part of this large family and New York was my favorite visiting place, with so much love and happy memories. Every visit meant that incredible view of the Twin Towers from my in-laws window. The view shared so many people on their way to work everyday, each with a different face, and a different story to tell. The morning of the attack seemed like any other morning. I was in my home switching the channels on the television when, in a flash, fear filled the air. A plane had hit one of the towers, and within minutes, another plane went soaring through its twin. Instantly, a blanket of confusion and grief covered the United States. Knowing that my brother-in-law worked as a New York City police officer, the reality that his life could be in danger was causing my family to panic. He managed a brief phone call assuring us that he was alive, but as the phone went dead seconds later, I felt myself slipping. I was losing all my happy memories and the only past I had chosen to tell my children. As the day went by, it felt like weeks. Once again, death was only moments away from those I love. The day America lost so many lives reminded me of my loss also, the loss of my own childhood and the reality of the dark cavity resting within me. I was no longer able to forget my childhood and to tell only the stories of my life in New York City. Now, this incredible city would be another tragedy from which I must run. As I lay in bed, I closed my eyes tightly and curled up, wanting to forget about the huge dark cloud and the belief that there was nowhere to hide from danger. It would become impossible to escape from the flashbacks of my past. I slowly pulled the covers up over my head and tried to return to sleep. Soon enough, the alarm clock went off and my day began like every other. My secrets keep pushing me into a world only I know, and cause me to feel like a shadow forced to wear a mask. I drag myself out of bed, the darkness ever-present around me. Which mask should I wear today? Mother? Wife? Or one of the many other masks I have stored away? I turn on the light and step onto the stage we all call life..... I no longer wear a mask....but, the pain is still very real. In the past the very mention of this war brought anxiety.

Through the writing of this book I have found the courage to stand tall and acknowledge that September 11 triggered all the many losses I experienced in my childhood. The war is not only between countries, but, a battle within each of us. We need to face our past and quit fighting it. Blogging is an important process of healing for me therefore I feel the need to let you know that I write in first person. I am not a victim....I am one who has the strength to tell what is...even if it makes others uncomfortable. Only by acknowledging your past can you give it to God and find healing!!! If you have an elephant in the closet, do you pretend it's not there? Or do you let it out and see it for what it is? BTW The longer the elephant is in the closet the bigger it gets!!! I challenge you to search yourself and find out what September 11 means to you! Acknowledge the lost ones who have died, and the lost child within yourself.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

Well... here is my first born son "Josiah". We had a birthday party for yet another Albertsen on Sunday. It was Nicoles 15 birthday. Her birthday party will be in the next post:) In our family every birthday is like Christmas. Not because of all the gifts, but because a birthday is a reason for us all to come together and have fun:) So, this Saturday I did my usual. I called everyone the day before. You mothers know what I'm talking about. The mothers gentle reminder, "Are you coming to the party? You know she is really counting on you being there. If you don't come she will be devistated" BTW... When all else fails use Mom's guilt!! It always works! LOL So...like always I was successful in bringing the family together for yet another birthday! I know you are probably thinking, "So what does Josiah have to do with this post? Get on with the story woman!" We try and do something fun with each get together. This weekend we played UNO. It is a wonderful card game that requires alot of yelling in order to win. Guess what? I won 1 game:) Tee Hee! But...this woman here won 2!!! The young woman is my sons girlfriend Abby. She was actually brave enough to enter our loud, crazy and out of control home. Children were running everywhere!! I had to laugh to myself as I heard Josiah whisper to Abby, "My family..yeah..well it can be crazy around here..." What he really meant was, "Say the word and we are out of here!" LOL Abby stayed and we all had a blast! She is awesome and welcome into our home anytime:) Here is Josiah, Abby, and Smiggen (the dog). BTW again..Savannah told me how to spell the dogs name:) Stay tuned for Nicoles birthday party in the next post!!

The differences between how a woman and a man uses a drive-through banking machine. Here is his and hers ATM usage explained...HIS1. Pull up to ATM2. Insert card3. Enter PIN number and account4. Take cash, card and receipt

HER1. Pull up to ATM2. Check makeup in rearview mirror3. Shut off engine4. Put keys in purse5. Get out of car because you're too far from machine6. Hunt for card in purse7. Insert card8. Hunt in purse for wrapper with PIN number written on it9. Enter PIN number10. Study instructions for at least 2 minutes.11. Hit "cancel"12. Re-enter correct PIN number13. Check balance14. Look for envelope15. Look in purse for pen16. Make out deposit slip17. Endorse checks18. Make deposit19. Study instructions20. Make cash withdrawal21. Get in car22. Check makeup23. Look for keys24. Start car25. Check makeup26. Start pulling away27. STOP28. Back up to machine29. Get out of car30. Take card and receipt31. Get back in car32. Put card in wallet33. Put receipt in checkbook34. Enter deposits and withdrawals in checkbook35. Clear area in purse for wallet and checkbook36. Check makeup37. Put car in gear, reverse38. Put car in drive39. Drive away from machine40. Travel 3 miles41. Release parking brake